Firehouse East heads back to Columbus

The 2011 FireHouse East invasion of Columbus was an experience I was sad to miss.

Duties as an MLS team employee often come at inconvenient times. My work that day was to help out with the Gold Cup doubleheader at Soldier Field, allowing for the irony of all ironies as I missed out on the dramatic, last-gasp 1-0 victory and Frank Klopas’ first win as Fire interim head coach.

Finishing that match just before kickoff of the first game at Soldier Field, I admittedly broke the “no cheering in the press box” rule when Cristian Nazarit poked in Orr Barouch’s rebound right in front of the 500 Fire supporters gathered behind the north goal.

Despite not being in attendance, that outburst came from someone feeding off the obvious energy inside Crew Stadium that day, the support that fueled The Men in Red to an emotional victory over a close rival.

When the MLS schedule was released last month, like many of you, my eyes were fixated on the Columbus away match and with no Mexico friendly game conflict in sight, I’m proud to say I’ll be where I belong with the supporters of Section 8 Chicago come May 26 in the Ohio capital.

The 2011 trip was the carrot to the club’s Supporter’s Season Ticket Holders, with the caveat being “Help us get to 800 in your sections and we’ll pay for every fan willing to take the bus to Columbus”.

Feeding off the success of last year’s trip, there is no caveat, the club is doing it again, there is however a goal: Taking 800+ Fire supporters to Columbus on May 26.

Today the Chicago Fire Soccer Club has launched registration for the Columbus bus trip, with the club again paying for all willing Supporters Season Ticket Holders’ (Section 8 Chicago, Sector Latino, Section 80) bus ticket to Ohio.

Can you be one of 800 in Columbus? See registration and trip details below and help us make Crew Stadium FireHouse East once again this May!

Fire supporters can choose one of two departure points on the morning of May 26, leaving from either Toyota Park or The Globe Pub (1934. W. Irving Park).

POST-GAME: All Fire supporters will be held inside Crew Stadium for approximately 45 minutes following the match. We'll depart immediately after our group is allowed to exit.

All attendees must purchase a ticket package (game ticket + scarf) for $20. All non-supporter season ticket holders must also purchase their bus seat, which is $45/person. The deadline to RSVP for the bus is 5:00pm CT on Friday, May 11.